Joseph Abboud Praises New Bedford Employees

Acclaimed men's clothing designer Joseph Abboud says he's amazed by what's happened at his Joseph Abboud Manufacturing plant on Belleville Avenue in New Bedford.

The firm manufactures high quality men's jackets and suits, and employs nearly 800 people.

Joseph Abboud was the keynote speaker Thursday at the 129th Annual Meeting of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, held at the Century House in Acushnet.

Abboud told WBSM News, the work ethic of his New Bedford employees is second to none.

"To be able to have 786 highly skilled employees, we'll put our New Bedford factory against any factory in Europe. We do such an amazing job, but its all about the people in New Bedford, so that's what I'm most proud of, because their work ethic is incredible," said Abboud.

Joseph Abboud Manufacturing of New Bedford was among four companies selected for "Economic Impact Awards" from the Chamber.

Other winners were H-T-P in the New Bedford Business Park, Southcoast Behavioral Health in Dartmouth and LaFrance Hospitality which opened a new Marriott Hotel in Wareham last April.

The winner of the Chamber's Education Leadership Award was the New Bedford Festival Theatre for their use of interns from New Bedford and Dartmouth High Schools and a summer apprenticeship program where students learn about theater and the arts.

The Chamber's Outstanding Service Award went to Traci Medeiros, the branch manager of Bank Five in Fairhaven.